Original subtitles

(The drama was based on a book, and all people, organizations,)

(locations, and incidents in this drama are fictitious.)

(It was filmed in accordance with COVID-19 prevention guidelines.)

(Patients in Surgery: Song Ha Young, male, 36 years old)

(Operating Room)

Luckily, he's out of the woods for now.

Once we wrap up, we'll move him to the ICU.

And we'll monitor his recovery.

Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you for saving him.

I should have kept a closer eye on him.

It's all right.

I know he's going to wake up soon.

Right.

Was I six years old then?

I went to an amusement park with my mother on Children's Day.

I saw a dead body for the first time that day.

You were pretty young.

The body was in the water.

When I saw her face underwater, she didn't scare me.

She just looked so lonely.

"She must have been terrified."

"She must've been in pain and lonely."

That crossed my mind.

So I wanted to reach out to hold her hand.

But I couldn't do that back then.

(Taxi Stop)

Just like what you've been doing,

you probably did something to help the woman.

The Southwestern Serial Murderer, Nam Ki Tae, said...

The Southwestern Serial Murderer, Nam Ki Tae, said...

he'd kill again if he were released.

And the public is shocked by the comment.

- We ought to hang men like him... - His first trial will be held soon.

- in the middle of Gwanghwamun. - And this kind of comment...

- They deserve nothing but death. - has caused controversy.

Why do people want to keep him alive?

I really don't get it.

What he did was inhumane. He doesn't deserve human rights.

Sir, I'm sorry. But could you turn that off?

It's giving me a headache.

- Oh, I see. Sure. - Executing him...

Right. This news isn't that pleasant to listen to.

(Through the Darkness, Part 2)

(Episode 11)

(Tojung-dong, Anyang, Gyeonggi Province)

What?

I'm in Tojung-dong right now.

I need to check out a missing person case.

I'll be there later.

(Hero Karaoke Bar)

- Excuse me. - We're not open yet.

I see.

- I'm from the police. - Hi.

When I look at this ridiculous world,

- Disappointment brings me tears - Okay.

Don't criticize me

For being a mean coward

I may be roaming around the dirty back alleys

But my wounds

- Are you having fun? - I got bored of waiting.

Brief me.

I told you everything I know over the phone.

So she left after singing some songs here.

- And then she can't be reached. - Right.

She didn't even leave with a customer.

She left alone?

Right.

- That's it? - Right.

She was having fun with her customer here.

And this woman in her 40s left to go home before the customer.

Then she can't be reached ever since that.

Is that really it?

Right.

Come on.

- Come on. - Chief Park.

I came all the way here. You should have gotten a lead.

I didn't ask you to come here.

- You came here on your own. - Hey.

You want me to report this...

as criminal intelligence?

You do it. I'm out.

Another woman...

from a different karaoke bar went missing in February.

What?

(Missing)

Two cases?

Yes.

In February, a female worker...

at a karaoke in Suwon went missing.

But that case hasn't been filed yet.

- Why not? - A lot of these workers...

often go AWOL and move to another karaoke.

I guess that must've been why.

But how did you come across this case? This wasn't filed.

When I was investigating this case,

an acquaintance who worked at a karaoke in Suwon said...

another worker from that karaoke...

went missing out of the blue like this.

What's your take on this?

What I think doesn't matter.

I'm just a cop. I investigate when I get the order.

And I don't when there's none.

You're a detective. Tell me about your hunches.

Show me that you're at least trying to open this case.

Gosh. There was a time...

when I had to pay a hefty price because of my hunches.

So I'm careful with everything.

- Okay. You can leave now. - Okay.

(Superintendent Heo Gil Pyo)

Well, both of the missing women were in the same line of work.

I couldn't find any connections other than their profession.

Then...

is it possible that there was no motive behind these cases?

Is that your hunch as a detective?

Well, every detective has a hunch.

Go.

This way.

Hello.

(Yeongtong-Gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province)

(Shin Mi Jung's house)

You guys still haven't found her?

Maybe something really happened to her...

if even you guys can't find her.

That's not necessarily true. We're here to check a few things.

Why would you come here twice if this wasn't serious?

Did she pay you monthly rent? Or did she put down a huge deposit?

She paid me rent.

If you couldn't reach her in February,

she must be behind rent at least for three months.

Yes. But I can just deduct her rent from the initial deposit she made.

I just hope she's okay.

So no one came after our visit?

Hey.

Gosh.

She's been my tenant for the past three years.

And I haven't seen her bringing people here.

She even stays here during the holidays.

(Hero Karaoke Bar)

(Shin Mi Jung, no family, case not filed)

(Missing)

(Sing Sing Karaoke, Hostesses Always Available)

(Sing Sing Karaoke, Hostesses Always Available)

Yes, come in.

Please call Song Ha Young.

- Inspector Song? - I read the article and heard lots.

He has a knack for identifying possible links between cases.

Hey.

You really don't think it's a simple missing person's case?

Well, we have no concrete proof yet,

but that's what my gut is saying.

If that's your hunch, it's probably right.

Superintendent Heo, to what do I owe the pleasure of this call?

Hey, how have you been?

Goodness. It took you this long to think of me?

I just faxed something over to you. Did you get it?

It's a missing person's case. Can you look into it?

Of course, you wouldn't call me for no reason.

A missing karaoke employee? Is this the case?

No. We did receive a report for that one.

Apparently, there's an unreported case.

"Apparently?"

The person has no family or friends, and no one can reach her.

What about this case?

Both missing women...

worked at karaoke bars.

When the Special Crime Squad was all lost, you guys said...

cases that have more than two things in common may be connected.

These could be like the motiveless crimes you mentioned.

Can you come here with Inspector Song and check?

Ha Young can't go.

Look at you treating me like a stranger now.

You're hurting my feelings here.

I'll come and check.

Right, everyone says your team is in high demand now.

I'll look into it and call you back.

Okay.

Was that Superintendent Heo...

at Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency?

Yes.

I guess he hasn't heard about Inspector Song yet.

He's at Gyeonggi Agency now,

so he wouldn't know unless he intentionally looked into it.

This is a missing person's case.

Let's check the area and her movements leading up...

- to the time of the incident. - Yes, sir.

You're doing great.

Let's try that one more time.

Nerve paralysis?

When the fractures occurred at the time of the accident,

some of the nerves around the bones were damaged.

Thankfully, he can move his toes,

and there isn't a complete loss of sensation,

so I'd say it's partial paralysis.

In cases like this,

you could recover through rehabilitative therapy.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency...

transferred gang members who had been...

embezzling a large amount of cash through an illegal casino...

to the prosecution.

We wrapped up another case.

Good work, everyone.

How about a team dinner?

You want to drink, don't you? Sit down already.

The case isn't closed until the trial is over.

I told them to contact us if they need additional evidence.

Okay.

The gift certificates they received were used...

Oh, shouldn't we visit Inspector Song in the hospital?

We haven't seen him since he moved to the general ward, right?

That's right.

(Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency)

Look at you.

Salute, Superintendent Heo Gil Pyo.

Did you really come alone?

Why? Am I not good enough?

I trained Korea's first criminal profiler.

I'm in high demand.

- Goodness. Don't be so difficult. - This is so cool.

Oh, there he is.

This is Chief Park Dae Woong of the Serious Crime Unit.

He is from Gyeonggi Agency. You know him, right?

- Yes, we've met. - It's been a while.

Take a seat.

Are you in charge of this case?

No, Anyang Police Station is in charge of the investigation,

but it's a little strange.

As for the unreported case in Suwon, she has no family?

That's right. That was probably why no one called it in.

What's going on?

Don't tell me... No, right?

Hey, I'm still new here.

Isn't that why you got in touch with me?

I'll go check the scene first.

I'll go with you.

(Rehabilitation Room)

(Gukil Hospital)

Be careful.

Inspector Song.

My gosh, you came again.

Yes. Here, it's just something small.

My gosh, you always bring something.

- Where can I put this? - You can put it over there.

I'll leave you to talk. Since you're here,

I should step out for lunch.

You didn't have to come all the way here.

I heard you were undergoing rehabilitation.

How are you feeling?

Not bad.

Make yourselves at home. I'll leave you to talk.

Please stay. We'll leave soon.

You'll feel more comfortable without me.

No, ma'am. That's not why we're here.

- Yes, just stay. - I want to step out for lunch.

- All right, then. - Enjoy your lunch.

Thank you.

Oh, let me.

I can do it by myself. Thank you.

You're doing much better now.

Oh, we came to see you when you were in the ICU.

That was when Captain Yoon and I met your mother for the first time.

Get better soon so we can work together again.

Yes, you're in high demand at the moment.

The Behavioural Analysis Team was very busy to begin with,

but Chief Kook has to take care of most things by himself now,

so he's always swamped these days.

But you're almost fully recovered now.

You should be able to return to work very soon.

I don't want to go back.

As you can see, it's a quiet area.

It is a karaoke bar, but most customers...

are people who live in the area.

I don't see any CCTV cameras.

That's right. They already interviewed...

every single customer who visited that day...

but found nothing.

But her phone...

On the map, you'll see Daejong Lake.

(Tojung-dong, Daejong Lake)

Daejong Lake? It's like a recreation area.

It's estimated that she went missing at around 1am,

so she didn't go there for a day of fun.

And nothing was caught on the CCTV footage.

Any possibility of suicide?

The divers already searched the entire lake...

but found nothing. She didn't commit suicide.

And the thing is, the person she last spoke to...

was her daughter.

She told her she'd pick up some fried chicken and head home.

It's impossible to hail a taxi here.

Then she probably took a bus at that stop.

Oh, right.

We already looked into it and even interviewed...

the driver who drove the last bus that night,

and she wasn't on the bus.

And the location where her phone last pinged...

is far from the bus route.

Then how did she get there?

She must've walked or...

She was kidnapped?

- Hello. - I guess it's your day off.

Yes. Oh, your soybean paste soup was so good.

- Really? I'll make it again. - Thank you. Have a good day.

You too, take it easy.

Oh, boy.

Her family must be so worried.

(Have you seen this woman? Help me find my mother.)

Song Ha Young is doing well, right?

I've been meaning to get in touch, but I've been too busy.

I thought he'd come with you.

Ha Young is...

Did he not want to come because of me?

- You know how he is, right? - I sure do.

He doesn't hold grudges.

He probably doesn't care to know what I'm up to.

If you're curious,

you could reach out to him first, you know.

Right, I'm sure I'll see him soon anyway.

You know, time will fly by.

And you may never get a chance.

Sorry?

Let's head over to Daejong Lake.

He never loses his heart.

Beta-carotene!

- Hi. - Hello.

Nam Ki Tae, the suspect...

of Southwestern Serial Murder Case in Seoul,

showed no remorse for his actions...

during his first trial last month.

His attitude brought upon rage from the bereaved families and...

Why would I feel remorse?

I'm not sorry at all. I don't even feel guilty.

I'm so sorry, Hwa Yeon.

I'm sorry, Hwa Yeon.

In that intersection up ahead, the road splits up...

into the victim's home and Daejong Lake.

You can turn left and find Daejong Lake.

(Daejong Lake)

If she wanted to go home, she should've taken a right.

The location of the phone the missing person had was...

right there on the left, turned off as she went for the lake.

Let's say she was abducted.

If she was forced to get in his car,

he would've taken her phone first.

But the phone of an abducted woman was...

turned on until she got here.

The last person she talked to was her daughter.

After she left the karaoke room,

she didn't make any calls.

Could she have hopped in herself?

Not unless she knew him.

She wouldn't get into a stranger's car.

Did you say you questioned all of her associates?

Yes.

(Daejong Lake)

(Gukil Hospital)

They came and visited you twice...

even when you were in the ICU.

You didn't know?

A few more visited you other than them.

You didn't know that either?

Not just Chief Young Soo?

Chief Young Soo stops by very often.

Some younger people came too.

A woman and a man.

I see.

And there were other people from the Seoul Agency,

someone on the older side.

Then other people who said they're your colleagues...

lined up to visit you,

even after you were moved here and bed bound.

Even as you were on the bed,

all of your colleagues flooded in and visited you,

so I was really glad.

You didn't know if your son was going to wake up,

but you were glad about that?

Why wouldn't I know that?

I knew you would wake up.

How did you know? Even the doctor didn't.

I'm your mom.

(Gukil Hospital)

Ha Young is asleep, right?

Yes, he fell asleep half an hour ago.

I see. How was he today?

His rehab is going well,

and he's recovering quickly too.

Right, Captain Yoon and Detective Nam stopped by...

this afternoon.

Goodness, he must've felt awkward.

Only on the outside. He's not like that on the inside.

It's not like I've known him only for a couple of days.

I can tell by his face.

So, Chief Young Soo, you should meet Ha Young before you leave.

I still can't muster up the courage.

Goodness.

(Manyeon-dong, Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province)

Excuse me, may I ask you a question?

Oh, I'm not dangerous.

I wanted to ask you for directions.

Sure.

I'm trying to go to Taepyeong Park. Which way do I need to go?

It's probably closed right now.

Oh, I'm not trying to go there.

I'm going in that direction.

I see.

You can go down this way for about 900m.

When you see a big barbecue place on the right, take a right.

Turn right at the barbecue place.

- Yes. And then... - One second.

I have a bad memory, so let me write it down.

Hold on.

I don't have paper or pens.

It's not that confusing.

Turn right at the barbecue place,

- then the second intersection... - Where are you headed?

Me?

If you don't mind, I can give you a ride.

The bus will be here soon. It's all right.

I'm driving down anyway.

If you're going in the same direction, I'll give you a ride.

No, I'm fine.

I'm not dangerous, you know.

Oh, that's not why.

My house is near the bus stop, so I'm really fine.

Well, the world is now a dangerous place,

so it's uncomfortable to just hop in, right?

No.

When will the bus get here?

- Is it the last bus? - It's about time it came.

Did you miss the last one?

Then I can wait with you.

If you missed the last bus, I can give you a ride.

No, I'm really fine.

No, I'll leave after I see you get on the bus.

Sure.

The last bus left, right?

Gosh.

It's pretty late, so I have to get going too.

You really won't get in?

Will you be all right?

I'll go, then.

Then can you just tell me the directions once again?

Go down this way, then at the barbecue...

Why don't you just get in?

Why are you so anxious?

Goodness, it must be cold.

Hop in.

In that case, thank you.

The bus is here. I'll take that.

Take a left on the second intersection.

(Sinjeong District 5)

Darn it.

Darn it!

Man, that bus.

(Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency)

Can you check if there are...

any similar cases in Gyeonggi area?

Yes.

The first one wasn't even reported.

We can only speculate instead of investigating it.

It's tough to be the judge just with that case.

Anyway, continue to check and see if there are any similar cases.

Okay.

- Captain Yoon. - Thank you.

You're here.

- Thank you. - Chief.

- Is that for me? - Yes.

- Thank you. - Sure.

It feels like...

I'm on a break for a moment,

drinking coffee away from the Wide-Area Investigation office.

Coffee is about the only thing that can comfort...

people like us.

So...

is the Analysis Team working on a case?

Oh, it's Gil Pyo.

Superintendent Heo?

Well, it's a missing case of employees at karaokes.

He said there were one each in February and April.

He asked me to look into it,

so yesterday, I went to the Gyeonggi Agency.

Did you go alone?

Yes, it's not even that far.

But what do you mean the first case...

was not reported?

I overheard you on the phone.

While they investigated the missing case from April,

they found out that there was an unreported missing case,

because she lived alone without any family.

I see.

Right, so what brings you here?

Detective Nam and I...

went to visit Inspector Song at the hospital yesterday.

I heard.

He seemed very exhausted.

I think...

he needs some time to himself.

(Resignation Letter)

I don't want to go back to work.

I see. Well,

don't think about anything else,

and just focus on your health while you stay in the hospital.

I'm spending...

a lot more time with my mother after I was hospitalized.

We're having meals together.

And we're talking a lot more.

I can't even remember the last time I had a normal day like this.

I realized that having a normal life like this was the joy of life.

I had been dealing with only evil, intelligent criminals.

So I guess I was tired.

- Captain Kook. - Yes.

Do you think I was only trying to put myself...

in their shoes?

To be honest, what scared me the most...

was the anxiety...

that there might be a different side of me I was not aware of.

I was scared...

that I might even turn into them.

For now,

don't let these thoughts get to you. Okay?

Just look after yourself, and get some rest. I'll get going.

And I will hold onto this for now.

Captain Kook.

I don't want to go back.

- Chief Kook. - Yes.

I'm here because that's what I wanted to talk about.

It's fine. Woo Ju knows everything.

Okay.

You watched the interview. So you know...

that they're beyond our imagination.

Those monsters...

dump out a different kind of trash we didn't see during interrogation.

And handling this trash...

isn't easy.

Right.

And that probably exploded.

He needs time to empty it out too.

Time to empty it out...

You need to take it easy too, Captain Yoon.

When people keep running without a break,

they always trip over and explode.

So...

what do you plan to do about Inspector Song?

I need to wait.

After everything he's been through, I couldn't push him again...

because I felt responsible...

for what happened to him.

(Pungyeon-dong, Anyang, Gyeonggi Province)

(Karaoke)

You're not going to sing?

No. Let's just talk.

It's a waste of energy. Why don't you sing a song?

I would rather talk to you than sing a song.

Sure. I'll turn off the music.

Do you want to go out for another round?

- What are you doing? - It's fine. Don't be like that.

- Stop it. - Come on.

What is this? Get your hands off me.

- Stop it! - It's fine.

What's your problem, jerk?

Hey.

Open up. Open the door!

Hey.

You!

You're ruining my good mood.

(Gukil Hospital)

(Song Ha Young)

- Excuse me. - Yes?

This is the room for Detective Song Ha Young, right?

Yes. It is. But why do you ask?

Could you give this to Detective Song?

Sure.

(Volunteer)

Hey, Ha Young.

I think she works here as a volunteer.

But she told me to give this to you and left.

A volunteer?

Yes. Open it. I'm curious what it is too.

Goodness. What's all this? Oh, my.

She must be an excellent cook. Gosh.

Goodness. There's a card too. Here you go.

Goodness. I can't believe this.

(Soon Ae Hospital)

(Gukil Hospital)

SOS. I can't handle Chief Kook's jokes by myself.

I hope you get well soon. And please come back to work.

How's the rehab going?

I'm sorry for not visiting you often.

Inspector Song, it's winter now.

It's gotten cold.

Don't catch a cold. And take care of yourself.

(Resignation Letter)

(Conclusion: The suspect lives alone, but...)

(After committing the murder under the influence of alcohol...)

(Think only about the victims and the bereaved families.)

Think only about the victims and the bereaved families.

(Tojung-dong, Anyang, Gyeonggi Province)

Mister, I want to touch that!

Which one? That one?

That one over there.

Come here.

How pretty.

Is this it then?

- No. I want to touch that too! - That one?

Did you know?

My gosh, really?

- Right? - Yes.

(Emergency Medical Center, Pharmacy)

You seem to be doing much better now.

Yes, thanks to you.

I'm so glad.

Thank you for the food you sent me. I really enjoyed it.

I should've thanked you sooner.

It was long ago,

so I didn't think you'd remember me.

You've worked on so many cases.

I remember everything.

I remember Ms. Choi Hwa Yeon...

and you too.

It's just that...

I didn't have the courage...

to...

face the victims...

or their families again.

I felt the same way.

When I think about the scumbag who did that to Hwa Yeon,

I still want him to suffer the same.

Whenever I'm reminded that he's doing just fine in jail,

I feel so resentful.

I just want to follow Hwa Yeon and die too.

My life has been so miserable.

To tell you the truth, I couldn't bring myself...

to say hello to you when I first saw you here...

because all the horrible memories came rushing back.

I had nightmares for days.

I thought maybe I should stop...

volunteering here.

I'm sorry.

Why are you sorry?

I should thank you if anything.

That's why I still have the handkerchief.

One day, I saw it again...

and realized...

that I had been able to hold out...

thanks to everyone who did their best for me and Hwa Yeon.

And you're one of them.

Thank you.

Hold on a moment.

- Where are you going? - I'll be right back.

Just a moment.

I have nothing else to give you since I ran into you unexpectedly.

Here, take this.

No, it's okay.

I bought it just now, so it's still warm.

Then let's eat it together.

I want to congratulate you on your recovery.

It's just a small token of my appreciation.

I read the newspaper articles.

Just like back then,

you only think about the victims and their families.

- Thank you very much. - No problem.

Some of the bereaved manage to pluck up the courage to live on,

but I'm sure some are still drowning in sorrow.

Please help people like us,

so no one else...

has to lose their loved ones like that.

Joy to the world, the Lord has come

- Inspector Song! - Hey.

- You woke him up. - I'm sorry.

It's okay. I had to get up anyway.

- When did you get here? - Just now.

Here, this is for you.

I picked out the best ones.

Thank you.

When will Chief Kook be here?

I thought the two of you were coming together.

He'll be here later.

- Have some. - Thank you.

- You too, Reporter Choi. - Thank you.

You can go home soon, right?

- Yes, in 2 days. - After almost 6 months.

- How do you feel? - Is this an interview?

Come up with questions that aren't so cliché.

Of course, he's excited.

Then what will you do as soon as you get home?

I'm not sure.

I haven't really thought about it.

Wait, hold on!

- Let's go eat something. - You want to eat again?

You didn't have dinner?

I did, but I'm hungry again. It's winter, you know.

She eats a lot.

- It's good to eat a lot. - Oh, Chief Kook.

- You made it. - We waited for you until now.

- I see. You're leaving now? - Yes, we are.

You're here.

Hey.

Get in, guys.

I guess these guys kept you up.

You should be in bed now.

You just got here. Are you leaving right away?

Yes. I mean, no.

Actually, I should get going. You need to go to bed.

I'm glad to see you looking healthy. I'll be off, then.

Bye.

- See you in the office. - Okay, good night.

What did Ha Young say just now?

"See you in the office."

What is it?

(Bus Stop)

Excuse me, did you miss the bus just now?

- Pardon? - It's cold.

I can give you a ride.

I'm following the bus route anyway,

so I can drop you off along the way.

(Korean Beef Gopchang)

- This looks so good. - It looks amazing.

Eat it with the green onions. It's so good.

Inspector Song...

looked more high-spirited than ever before.

I'm sure he's relieved that he can finally go home.

It must've been really stressful for him.

Oh, Detective Nam.

What are you doing here?

We met at Mapo Police Station...

and in front of Seoul HQ as well.

You remember me, right?

I'm Reporter Choi Yoon Ji from Fact Today.

That's right, Reporter Choi Yoon Ji.

I'm Nam Il Young, Wide-Area Investigation Squad.

Good to see you.

You're always so quick.

- Are you here alone? - I stopped by on my way home...

to pick up some food as my late-night snack.

- Let's sit down. - Okay.

We were going to order some drinks.

I see.

Excuse me, could we get two more servings?

My goodness.

I don't want to be a third wheel.

Gosh, no. We're just friends.

- Don't even worry about it. - Oh, really?

My, you sure know how to enjoy gopchang.

(Bus Stop, Geumchan Village)

Thank you.

Were you out with your friends?

- Yes. - I see.

You looked like you were freezing, so I couldn't just pass by.

Thank you. You can just drop me off along the way.

It'll probably start snowing soon.

We should help each other out, you know?

Who knows? Santa Claus may give us a gift.

That's true.

You deserve a nice Christmas gift for this.

Then how about you give me a gift?

Sorry?

I want a gift.

Hey.

I had fun thanks to you.

(Wide-Area Investigation Squad, Chief Park Dae Woong)

Hello?

Okay.

Superintendent Heo.

Another girl has gone missing in Tojung-dong.

- Again? - I think it's the same guy.

Give Kook Young Soo a call too.

("Female College Student Gone Missing Before Christmas")

- Chief. - Yes?

We received a missing report from Gyeonggi, Tojung-dong, right?

Yes, that's right. Why do you ask?

Yes, Chief Park?

Okay. I got it.

- I'm going to Gyeonggi Agency. - Okay, I'll see you later.

Yes, I'll head over right now.

- Here's your receipt. - Oh, yes.

Thank you.

I'll grab a taxi for you. You should go home first.

Don't do that, I can take the bus.

Taxis are more comfortable. Please don't refuse.

All right, I won't. Thank you.

Take it easy, okay?

Yes, don't worry.

I'm so glad you're getting discharged.

I won't scare you like that again. I'm sorry.

- Let me carry that. - Gosh, it's fine.

- I can carry it. - My gosh, you're so stubborn.

- I told you to take it easy. - I'm fine. Just hurry up.

(Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency)

Oh, Inspector.

- Are you feeling better? - Yes, I'm fine.

Why did you come here instead of heading straight home?

I'm good to work now.

- Where's Chief Kook? - He went to the Gyeonggi Agency.

The Gyeonggi Police Agency?

Why did he go there?

(Trustworthy Police, Safe and Strong Country)

There was a bus stop in front of the karaoke bar, right?

- Yes, there was. - Okay.

The missing person's job group is completely different though.

But the area is all very similar.

Hey, how did you know I was here?

Are you feeling better?

Yes.

- It's been a while. - Have you been well?

Woo Ju briefed me on the case when I got to the office.

Can you explain the case to me in detail?

All right. As it was reported here,

a woman went missing from a karaoke bar in April.

But back in February,

another employee from a karaoke bar went missing but it wasn't reported.

Then 2 days ago, on the 23rd,

a female university student went missing from the same bus stop.

I think it's the same perp for all three cases.

We think this because when we visited the crime scene...

for the case in April, there was a bus stop there too.

Then what about the undeclared case from February?

There was a bus stop there too.

All three cases share the similarity that it's in a desolate area.

He's looking at the location.

You figured that out about him already?

- I'm sure there are no witnesses? - That's right.

So if we take Chief Kook's guess...

and assume that all three were abducted from a bus stop...

It means all three of them were waiting for the bus.

What time did they go missing?

All of their phones went radio silent...

around 1am in the morning.

They must've been waiting for the last bus.

He might have forced the adult women into the car.

Don't you need at least two people to force an adult into your car?

They were offered a free ride.

- What? - A free ride, you say.

If there are two culprits,

there's no good reason to abduct women from a bus stop.

They can just target a woman walking alone in a desolate area...

and abduct her by forcing her into the car.

I think there's a high chance that it's the same serial culprit.

- Chief Park. - Yes?

Let's form an investigation team.

(Gyeonggi Investigation Headquarters of Serial Missing Women Cases)

(January 2007)

Let us in on the investigation too.

We have experience working with the Analysis Team.

I'm sure we'll come in useful.

All right, fine.

I'll ask the Gyeonggi Agency for permission to cooperate.

Thank you, sir.

You'll be working at the Gyeonggi Agency for the time being, right?

Yes, probably.

Oh, hold on.

(Every contact leaves a trace.)

Hey, what should I do with this?

Should I rip it up? What do you say?

(Resignation Letter)

- Shall I do it? - Oh, come on.

Seriously, you're mean.

Woo Ju. Rip that up into pieces once we leave.

Yes, sir. I'll do as you command.

- I'm counting on you, Woo Ju. - Sure thing.

Please, Woo Ju.

(Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency)

- All right, let's get started then. - Yes, sir.

(Missing Women Cases in the Gyeonggi, Anyang and Suwon Area)

There were no CCTVs at the scene.

Most of those areas don't have any.

They're establishing a new apartment complex in that area.

The district office didn't even look for installation spots.

That means the culprit knows the area is pretty desolate...

and that there are no CCTVs.

I think we should install CCTVs not just in this area,

but also every other bus stop with no CCTVs all over Gyeonggi Province.

- Every single one? - Yes, switch out the old ones too.

You can barely make out license plates with the older CCTV models.

You think it's that simple?

The Ministry of Finance has to spend within the reserve fund.

Okay, fine. I'll talk to them.

Then I'll check for areas with no CCTVs.

- All right. - Thanks, I appreciate it.

(Coffee)

(Republic of Korea, A Safe Country with Happy Citizens)

Have you been well?

Yes, thanks to you.

Thanks to me?

You played a part in...

me joining the Analysis Team.

I see you can make jokes now.

The rumours about Chief Kook whipping you into shape was true.

Yes, he sure did.

I was appointed to a new station so suddenly...

we weren't even able to talk.

Anyone in that situation would have done the same thing.

It's all in the past now.

I'm just glad that we got to meet again.

Let's do our best.

Did you hear the rumours about you whipping me into shape?

What kind of absolute nonsense is that?

Who whipped who into what?

People just love to gossip.

What's wrong with it?

Don't let rumours bother you.

It's true though.

The buses run in 40 to 50 minute intervals. That's quite a wait.

Right.

There aren't many taxis either.

I'm sure there are fewer at night.

He probably had that in mind.

The decision to install more CCTVs has been finalized, right?

Yes. They said they'll install more in the areas of disappearance...

and all nearby locations.

(Sinbon 2-dong Office)

(Redfield Intersection)

The CCTVs should help, right?

I'm sure he'll be more cautious with the lack of blind spots.

It's been over nine months now.

I hope they are alive.

At least none of the missing women were found dead yet.

Yes, you're right.

We should be hopeful.

Let's go over there.

(Bus Stop)

This is the statistics analyst of the Analysis Team.

His name is Jung Woo Ju. He's a smart guy.

My name is Yoon Tae Gu.

I'll go out.

Did you have customers...

who offered to give people a ride?

(Bus Stop)

It's cold. Hop in.

- I'll take you to the main street. - Right.

(Suspect Analysis)

(Profiling Report: Gyeonggi Serial Missing Women Case)

(Gyeonggi Investigation Headquarters of Serial Missing Women Cases)

All three cases broke out when the wind chill factor was low.

It was a secluded area, so buses didn't come often.

I stood alone at the bus stop,

but a truck came by and offered me a ride...

out into the main street.

You won't find a bus here even if you waited.

He takes advantage of the situation and the psychology of the victims.

The buses don't run often,

so there was a friendly culture in that neighbourhood...

of giving people rides.

On a cold day, it must've been easier.

So he used his kind face as a mask to lure them?

Yes.

Even so, how can they gladly hop into a stranger's car?

They didn't hop in gladly.

He must've convinced anybody to hop in.

Then he must drive a luxurious sedan that doesn't look like a threat.

Or he might have...

something in his car that drives away people's suspicion.

A family photo? Or stuffed animals?

- A baby? - If a baby is in the car,

people rarely ask anybody else to join them.

The first thing the victim looks at is the driver.

So I think the suspect may look amicable,

someone who doesn't draw people's suspicion.

I'm sure he doesn't look intimidating.

Someone who looks likeable.

You're right.

Hello? Chief Kook.

I'll send you a fax. Please take a look at it.

Yes, a cold case for a missing person.

Yes, in Gunpo.

(Gunpo)

Yes, I'll check.

One second.

Woo Ju just sent over a missing person case.

The victim is Heo Geum Young, 51 years old,

- went missing in Gunpo. - And is it similar?

She went missing...

at a bus stop in a secluded area.

Her phone battery got separated around that area.

That's a possibility.

- He sent us fax. - I'll pick it up.

No, I got it. I have to use the restroom too.

- She was 51 years old? - Yes.

Hey.

We just heard about the cold case in Gunpo...

Yes. One second.

Hey, don't hang up.

It's a word on a missing case.

No, not the Gunpo cold case. Not that one. Something else.

Suwon Seobu Police Station. An office worker, in her 30s.

That neighbourhood recently became filled with industrial parks.

The missing person worked in Haeyong Industrial Park.

She usually commuted by bus...

at the bus stop in front of the industrial park.

That area only has industrial parks around,

so everything is pitch dark at night.

Her phone battery was pulled out at 7am the next morning.

(Missing Person)

(Presumed as an abduction disguised with kindness)

(A hill in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province)

Hello, Chief Park?

We found Yoon Jin Sil's body.

The employee at a karaoke bar who went missing in January.

Did you see the news?

She went missing, then was found buried in secret.

I should check on my wife.

That's horrendous.

("A Karaoke Employee in Her 30s, Found Dead in Ansan")

- Look at that. - Be careful.

("A Karaoke Employee in Her 30s, Found Dead in Ansan")

(Superintendent Heo Gil Pyo)

Get up here!

Go up!

Something might come out, so keep digging up there!

Yes!

(January 22, 2007, 1pm, dead body found at a hill near Pungyeon-dong)

(A 32-year-old karaoke employee goes missing)

(Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency)

Ansan is pretty far...

from the last phone signal and where she went missing.

You're right.

Why didn't he go anywhere near Anyang?

I'm not sure why he went all the way to Ansan...

to bury her?

The further one travels, the riskier it becomes.

He probably didn't make a move by day.

It means he went around at night,

when it's difficult to distinguish his car on CCTVs.

He either lived in Gyeonggi for a long time,

or he must know the area well.

Gimpo, Anyang, Suwon, and Ansan.

He usually found the most secluded areas.

There are lots of places that won't even show up on navigators.

You're right, on top of that, he buried her...

on a hill 80m away from the road.

If it hadn't been for that elderly man...

who went there every day to gather wild herbs,

it would've been impossible for an ordinary person to spot.

Then let's find the cars that we can distinguish...

on CCTV footage.

We have no choice but to narrow down our suspects...

from ex-convicts who reside in Gyeonggi Province.

There must be a reason why he chose this location.

Once we find some suspects, we'll also find the reason.

Detective Nam.

Put together a list of ex-convicts.

Yes, sir.

(An Yu Yeon)

You're sound asleep.

(Hanyoung Bank)

(Insert Card)

(Please enter your PIN.)

(ATM)

Please take your cash.

Your transaction has been completed.

Thank you for using Hanyoung Bank.

(Hanyoung Bank)

(CCTV footage evidence)

Was this the person you saw?

Yes, his hair and outfit were odd,

so I remember him.

- He had this bushy bang. - I see.

And he was wearing a dress shirt with sweatsuit pants.

- Was this the jacket too? - Yes.

He looked at me after he withdrew money,

so I stared back.

Did you see where he went?

I wouldn't know.

Oh, I saw him catching a taxi.

A taxi?

A female university student in Gunpo...

has been missing for 18 days,

so the police began an open search.

The police obtained the footage of a man in his 20s to 30s...

withdrawing 700 dollars with this woman's debit card...

at a bank.

He's now openly wanted as the key suspect.

Yes, all right.

I checked with the taxi company,

and they haven't found the driver and the vehicle yet.

If he grabbed a taxi,

he probably lives not too far away from the bank.

The bank is close to where the victim went missing.

It won't be easy,

but let's check every CCTV footage on streets from the missing point...

to the bank.

We'll check every footage within six kilometres...

- of the bank. - Everything?

There are at least over 300 CCTVs out there.

- Yes, we'll check everything. - Please cooperate.

- Okay. - Okay.

Right here.

What were you doing then?

I was at home.

Darn it.

Let's keep trying.

(Munsan)

Gyeonggi 89.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

(Responsible Gyeonggi Police for safety and order)

Hold on.

Could you rewind the footage just now?

Yes. That one. Please zoom in.

- Chief Kook. Come over here. - Yes?

(Responsible Gyeonggi Police for safety and order)

(The epilogue will air shortly.)

(Through the Darkness, Part 2)

Gosh.

I've been working in the force for about 30 years.

And in my opinion,

you are the best cop Korea has.

That was random. What are you talking about?

I've never seen you second guess yourself.

You only focus on your job. You don't let the job get to you.

So for the past 20 years, I have been watching you...

killing it at work without much trouble.

And I realized that people like you...

were born to be police officers.

And I was proud to have a competent junior like you.

But the guy you scouted, Song Ha Young,

is just like you. He reminds me of you in every sense.

What? How does he remind you of me?

Ha Young is young, handsome,

and looks great with a perm.

You two can't see it.

But in my opinion,

you and Ha Young...

are the same kind.

So that got me worried all of a sudden.

- Worried about whom? - Isn't it obvious? It's you.

Why? I'm a grown man.

It's easy to come back after running away once.

But...

people who never thought about resigning...

had been working together.

So I was worried that...

both of you might give up if one of you crumbled down.

You do have a point.

That's how I feel right now.

Just like you said, I've been wrong for the last 20 years.

It doesn't feel like I've been focusing on my job.

Because I was too busy with my job,

maybe, I failed to take care of my team.

And I wonder if I've been doing it wrong the whole time.

Young Soo.

Cops are human too.

Get in. I had fun today.

- Let's grab one more drink. - We had enough.

- Sir, please drive him home safely. - Sure.

Apartment Complex Seven in Mok-dong.

- You can go. - One more drink.

- Bye. - Wait.

Let's get one more drink!

Thanks, Gil Pyo!

Woo Ho Sung?

Did you want to see me?

Can we continue this talk at the Police Agency?

Are you suspecting me? Do you have proof?

We can't give him more time.

He'll get rid of all the evidence.

This guy is evil.

What if I'm not the culprit?

He must have been under pressure.

- Who is this? - This is Woo Ho Sung.

(The final episode will air tomorrow at 10pm.)